ORAU Pollard Scholarship recipients announced
ORAU awarded five William G. Pollard Scholarships of $2,500 each to students pursuing undergraduate studies during the 2026-27 academic year.
Three of this year’s recipients have ties to Anderson County: Nic Reynolds, a 2023 Anderson County High School graduate; Jada Robinson, a 2024 Oak Ridge High School graduate; and Jonathan Ward, a 2026 Clinton High School graduate.
The other recipients are Caroline Ferguson and Erin Oswald.
ORAU awards Pollard scholarships annually to children of employees who demonstrate exceptional achievement in their high school or undergraduate studies. Applicants must submit official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended, three references, including at least two from teachers, and a 500-word essay describing their professional and personal interests.
Reynolds, son of Sheena Reynolds, is studying history and political science at the University of Tennessee. He has completed internships for Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and state Sen. J. Adam Lowe, as well as in the Washington office of U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett.
After earning his bachelor’s degree, Reynolds hopes to attend law school with a focus on regulatory, administrative and labor law. He graduated from Anderson County High School in 2023 as valedictorian.
Robinson, daughter of Jeannie Macquire, is a 2024 graduate of Oak Ridge High School and a 2026 graduate of Pellissippi State Community College. She will attend the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she plans to pursue pre-health studies with the goal of becoming a dermatology physician assistant.
Robinson has long been interested in science and health care and hopes to pursue a career in which she can make a difference in people’s lives.
Ward, son of April Ward, graduated summa cum laude from Clinton High School and magna cum laude from Roane State Community College with an associate degree in May 2026.
In high school, Ward participated in band, performing with the Clinton High School Dragon Marching Band at halftime shows, competitions, jazz events and concerts. He also volunteered at Clinton Middle School, giving music lessons and helping sixth graders choose instruments.
Ward will attend Tennessee Tech University, where he plans to major in mechanical engineering with a concentration in aerospace.
Ferguson, daughter of Michelle Ferguson, is a rising sophomore at Ohio State University.
Oswald, daughter of Kenneth Oswald, is a 2026 graduate of Lakota East High School.
The William G. Pollard Scholarship Awards are presented in honor of ORAU’s founder and recognize his dedication to science and education.
Pollard, a University of Tennessee physics professor, founded the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies, which later became ORAU.
